barefoot beach babes

   We spent as much time as we possibly could on the beach while in Panama City.  Even on the cooler days, Emma Jane would wade in the gulf and dig in the sand.  Vivian was in awe of it all.  These are some of my favorite pics in no particular order (and, yes, there are quite a few!).  We also spent some good quality time with family and friends during our vacation, so that will be my next post!

family photo shoot

   On October 13, Paul and I celebrated our TEN YEAR anniversary!  We contacted Lindsey Pace, a talented local photographer and friend, to do a family photo shoot for us.  She chose the most beautiful farm property for our shoot.  Lindsey did an amazing job and captured so many precious expressions.  I can't think of a better gift to celebrate ten years of marriage than these sweet images!

beach sneak-peek

   Our trip to the beach was perfect!  October is such a beautiful time of year and there is no better place to enjoy it than the "world's most beautiful beaches"!  The weather was a little chilly at the beginning of our stay, but it warmed up later in the week.  The cooler weather did NOT stop Emma Jane and Paul from getting in the gulf, but Vivian and I stayed clear of the cold water.  We had such an amazing time and I took LOTS of pictures, but organizing them all is going to take some time.  Here are a few for now...



44 degrees old

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a very special birthday...one of the best. It was my first birthday as a mom of two. Although I wasn't thrilled about adding another year to my age, my girls (and sweet husband) made this birthday perfect. Emma Jane WAS thrilled to have another birthday to celebrate because that meant she would have another opportunity to enjoy cake and party hats! When I asked her how old she thought mommy was, she quickly responded, "Free!" When I told her to guess again, she said, "Forty-four degrees!" Where she came up with that one, I don't have a clue!?!  By the way, I'm actually 37.

Paul took the day off and the four of us went to the Capitol building grounds for a picnic. Unfortunately, my camera battery died after taking only one picture there. During nap time I made some party hats out of scrapbook paper because earlier in the day Emma Jane told me, "I can't wait to wear my party hat at your birfday party, mommy!" Since we had no party hats on hand, I had to whip something together quick! Can't disappoint my girls!

Later we went out to dinner and I FORGOT my camera. When we returned home from dinner, Paul served us birthday cake which turned out to be strawberry shortcake. Emma Jane eagerly helped me blow out my candle and Vivian happily assisted me in eating my piece of strawberry shortcake.

Although this day may not have been much different than a typical Saturday or Sunday for us, what made it special for me was this. Sometimes it takes having another year behind you to realize how very blessed you are in this life...in this day...in this moment. Yes, I am one lucky birthday girl!

  

dinner guests

   We hosted our first small dinner party in the new house this weekend.  The Sadlers, our good friends and new neighbors, have done so much for us since we moved into the neighborhood.  While we were getting moved in, they shared several meals with us and offered to entertain Emma Jane a few times.  To return the favor(s!) we were excited to finally have them over as our guests.  While the boys chatted outside by the grill, the girls had a ball in the playroom.  Lily and Emma Jane took turns playing doctor/patient while Charlotte and Vivi happily scooted around from toy to toy.  Dinner was delicious...Paul did ALL the cooking, as usual!  No meal is complete without dessert, so the girls devoured ice cream cones on the front porch.  Emma Jane and Lily had a "pretend sleepover" and got dressed in their jammies to watch a show and snuggle up in bed for a few books.  It was a fun time for everyone and we look forward to hosting more dinner parties in the future!